ACF Practical Exams

Registering for ACF Practical Exams

The practical exam fee is $50 for ACF members and $100 for non-members. Test sites may charge an additional host site fee that is payable to the site hosting the exam.

Practical exam scores are valid for one year.

For Special Accommodations, you must complete the Request for Special Accommodations Form and submit with appropriate documentation. Please allow 45 days for review and approval. Submission does not constitute approval.

Prior to the practical exam date, the test site administrator will contact candidates to confirm test time, host site fee and specific details about the testing facility.

Practical Exam Cancellation Policy

Candidates must cancel scheduled weekday exams within 24 hours of the exam date. Exams on Saturday or Sunday, must be cancelled by close of business on Friday. The ACF registration fee may be transferred to a new test date within six months or will be forfeited. If the scheduled exam is not cancelled within the stated timeframe, registration fees will be forfeited and candidate will still need to pay any host site fees before registering for another practical exam.

In the event of an emergency and a candidate is not able to contact the ACF to cancel, the ACF may request the candidate to provide documentation verifying the emergency.

Practical Exam Retake Policy

There is no waiting period to retest.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment for certification practical testing is divided into four general areas: Safety and Sanitation Skills; Organization; Craftsmanship Skills; Finished Product Skills.

The candidate’s skills are evaluated during the examination period through frequent monitoring by the evaluators. The practical examination is scored overall as pass or fail. Points are calculated in various areas and a total numerical score is calculated. A total averaged score of 75% (75 points) or better is considered passing.